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What Causes Irregular Menstruation And Weigh Gain In An ASD Person?

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Posted on Tue, 27 Oct 2015
Question: Hello..I have a 23 year old daughter who has been gaining weight steadily and this is a worry.Her diet is overall pretty healthy with a treat say 3 times s week. SHE was always very slight when younger.
She is on the Autism Spectrum. .her periods are few..has about 4 a year.Had a blood test and her hormone levels and all tests are in normal range.she has vitamin D tablets daily.
Maybe she has Polycystic ovaries? She has facial hair and much body hair..more than normal..its not easy for her and is upsetting her.Is there a special diet for polycystic ovaries..what would help? Its upsetting for her..will her bone health be ok..should we see a specialist?..Also her older sister who is 25 has had some symptoms of PCOS ..
Thank you
Philippa
doctor
Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (33 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Possible causes

Detailed Answer:
Good day,
Welcome to health care magic.
Noted your concern.
Is she on any medication for autism/epilepsy ?

Many medicines can cause irregular periods, weight gain and excess body hair. Some of these medicines also can cause high Prolactin levels which cause irregular periods.
Beside this , few other hormone disorders which need to be considered.
May I request following investigations
1) Fasting Testosterone, DHEA-S, Androstenidione, 17 hydroxyl progesterone, LH, FSH ( all in fasting state between 7 to 9 am)
2) Thyroid blood profile, Prolactin, IGF-1
3) Fasting sugar, serum creatinine and electrolytes.
4) Ultrasound of pelvis.
5) 24 hour urine free cortisol or a midnight salivary cortisol.

These investigations will throw some light on the cause of irregular periods, weight gain and excess body hair. Poly cystic ovary syndrome is just one of the many causes of these symptoms.
I would appreciate if you could explain about her current medications.
Regards XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (4 hours later)
Hello Dr..she does not have epilepsy. .she is on the autism spectrim..she is not on any Medications apart from s daily vitamin D tablet..
She had an FBE..iron..oestrogen.. fsh..prolactin..liver and kidney tests and the GP said they were in nomal range but she doesn't ovulate and have periods much..
The weight gain is a problem ..
We walk most days ..trying to increase exercise. .
Any particular foods to eat and any to avoid please..
Best wishes Philippa.
Ps her name is XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Weight loss diet change suggestions.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Could you attach those blood reports if you have them? XXXXXXX should try to cut down her calories in general. Reduce the dinner quantity and change it a low calorie meal. As much as possible, avoid fast food like pizza, burgers etc. Once a while Try home made burger with less salt and cheese than at the restaurant.
Avoid soft drinks like pepsi or coke as much as possible.

It is ideal to meet a dietician who can help further with diet management.
If the Estrogen and FSH/LH and Prolactin levels are good, she may ovulate once weight is reduces.
Please get a thyroid profile and fasting sugar levels as well.
Regards
Binu
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai

Endocrinologist

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 1438 Questions

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What Causes Irregular Menstruation And Weigh Gain In An ASD Person?

Brief Answer: Possible causes Detailed Answer: Good day, Welcome to health care magic. Noted your concern. Is she on any medication for autism/epilepsy ? Many medicines can cause irregular periods, weight gain and excess body hair. Some of these medicines also can cause high Prolactin levels which cause irregular periods. Beside this , few other hormone disorders which need to be considered. May I request following investigations 1) Fasting Testosterone, DHEA-S, Androstenidione, 17 hydroxyl progesterone, LH, FSH ( all in fasting state between 7 to 9 am) 2) Thyroid blood profile, Prolactin, IGF-1 3) Fasting sugar, serum creatinine and electrolytes. 4) Ultrasound of pelvis. 5) 24 hour urine free cortisol or a midnight salivary cortisol. These investigations will throw some light on the cause of irregular periods, weight gain and excess body hair. Poly cystic ovary syndrome is just one of the many causes of these symptoms. I would appreciate if you could explain about her current medications. Regards XXXXXXX